Unit4 cheers channel momentum

Just a couple of weeks after reaching out to developers to get behind its next-generation enterprise resource planning (ERPx) offering, Unit4 has shared details of its channel growth.

First-quarter numbers, for the three months to 31 March, indicated that it had seen 204% growth in the value of contracts via partners, year-on-year, and had added 11 new partners to its ecosystem.

Last month, the firm cut the ribbon on a fresh partner developer programme, Developer 4U, which was its way of working with those wanting to add their own extensions to ERPx. That will be followed up later this year with the launch of an app, Marketplace 4U, giving those partners a chance to present their intellectual property to a wide customer base.

The quarter also saw Unit4 involved in a trend that is sweeping across the channel at the moment, with it signing a definitive agreement with private equity firm TA Associates for strategic growth investment of more than $2bn.

In terms of the main first-quarter numbers, the firm reported a 28% increase in cloud subscription revenues and added 18 new customers, including NorthSeaPort, Golden Lane Housing Limited, and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

“As businesses continue to ride out the uncertainties of the past year, we are seeing demand for people-centric technology that can help to support their growth aspirations and help them thrive as the market begins to regain its momentum,” said Unit4’s chief financial officer, Gordon Stuart.

“Ensuring that our customers find the best path back to growth and success is of paramount importance. With new investment and an industry-leading cloud platform, Unit4 can support them on that journey as never before,” he added.

Ray Wang, founder and principal analyst at Constellation Research, said now was a good time to be talking to customers about ERP.

Unit4 made ERPx available this month and has already got 24 new customers, including Places for People, Social Work England and North West Leicestershire District Council, using the software.

“Organisations are rebuilding for the post-pandemic environment, with more companies considering a cloud ERP solution and looking for a vendor they can trust to help them on their journey,” he said.

“The significance of the recent buyout from TA Associates and the availability of ERPx distinguishes Unit4 from its competitors as being a vendor of choice for customers with increased expectations for obtaining stability, growth and innovation,” he added.

That buyout last month was described as a chance for Unit4 to meet its global growth ambitions, both organically through cloud-based product innovation, and through mergers and acquisitions to unlock new markets and industries.